Walsall beat struggling Tranmere 5-1 to move 13 points clear in the second round of Sky Bet League One, setting a new club record with eight consecutive league wins.

Jamille Matt’s brace joins Ryan Stirk, Jamie Jellis and division-leading scorer Nathan Lowe The goal sealed victory for Walsall, with Connor Jennings responding for 10-man Wanderers.

The leaders were lively from the start, with Rangers goalkeeper Luke McGee making a smart save from Jelly’s volley before Matt headed home Tyler Allen’s cross for Walsall Taking the lead in the 15th minute.

In the 22nd minute, Stick hit a beautiful shot from outside the penalty area into the bottom corner.

Sam Finlay was sent off in the 38th minute for two quick bookings, the second for intentional handball, which briefly inspired Rangers and Jennings broke through from 20 yards a minute before the break .

But in the 49th minute, Matt scored from close range, and in the 72nd minute, Jellis’ shot at the near post missed McGee, changing the score to 4-1.

Eight minutes later, on-loan Stoke striker Lowe raised his tally to 15 points when he latched on to Albert Adomah’s cross as Rangers, four points off the relegation zone, suffered a defeat in the Premier League. Sixth straight away defeat.